PRESS RELEASE : Sweden’s Presidency of the Council of the EU should serve as a driving force for continued and comprehensive support for Ukraine by the European Union – Ihor Zhovkva [October 2022]
The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 28 October 2022.
Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Ihor Zhovkva had a phone call with Christian Danielsson, Minister for EU Affairs of the recently elected government of the Kingdom of Sweden headed by Ulf Kristersson.
The interlocutors exchanged views on the situation with Russia’s armed aggression against Ukraine and agreed on the need to increase international pressure on the aggressor country and make every effort to preserve European unity on the issues related to the international isolation of the Russian Federation, increased sanctions pressure, and the achievement of full independence from Russian energy resources.
Ihor Zhovkva noted Sweden’s strong political and practical support for Ukraine in defending independence, as well as readiness to actively participate in the post-war reconstruction of our country.
The main focus was on Ukraine’s accession to the European Union and the priorities of Sweden’s Presidency of the Council of the EU in the first half of 2023. The parties coordinated their positions on achieving Ukraine’s progress on the European integration path and agreed to deepen the dialogue in this direction.
“Sweden’s Presidency of the Council of the EU should be marked by the start of negotiations on Ukraine’s accession to the European Union and serve as a driving force for continued and comprehensive support for Ukraine by the European community,” Ihor Zhovkva emphasized.
The interlocutors agreed on the need for further integration of Ukraine into the EU internal market and the implementation of necessary reforms. Sweden’s experience in this field is especially valuable for our country.
“We expect that we will be able to use Sweden’s practical experience of joining the European Union to achieve further progress on the European integration path,” summed up the Deputy Head of the President’s Office.
